Satchel Paige Dominated

SATCHEL PAIGE DOMINATED Negro League baseball for more than two decades. But in 1948, the legendary pitcher showcased his talent in the majors.

The Cleveland Indians signed Paige on July 7 in a move that many considered a publicity stunt by owner Bill Veeck. Although the Alabama native’s age was officially listed as 42, estimates of his actual age added between two and six years.

After several relief appearances, Veeck and manager Lou Boudreau inserted the aging hurler as a starter. Lasting seven innings, Paige won his first start against the Washington Senators. Ten days later, he drew the assignment to face the Chicago White Sox in Comiskey Park.

Over 50,000 packed the stadium, and 15,000 more were turned away. After four scoreless innings, the Indians tallied a run with Lary Doby’s triple and Jim Hegan’s sacrifice fly. In the eighth, Cleveland added another run on Ken Keltner’s single, Hegan’s sacrifice, and Dale Mitchell’s RBI-single. The Indians iced the 5–0 victory with three runs in the ninth fueled by singles from Boudreau and Doby and two White Sox errors.

On the mound, Paige performed superbly, walking none and allowing only five singles. The White Sox threatened to spoil the shutout in the ninth, putting runners on first and third with one out. But the veteran pitcher retired Aaron Robinson and Ralph Hodgin for his fourth win and first complete game victory in the major leagues.

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POINT The Indians gratefully added gray-haired Satchel Paige to their roster. Later in the season, the pitcher who was as old as some of his teammates’ fathers aided Cleveland’s pennant drive with a 6–1 record. Even while in his 40s, Satchel Paige made the most of his opportunity to finally play in the major leagues.

Baseball had already discriminated against Paige and the others in the Negro League because of the color of their skin. How wonderful that Bill Veeck and Lou Boudreau decided not to discriminate against Paige because of his age. And the older player helped Cleveland into the postseason.

Older people can add a lot to our life too. Because they’ve lived longer, they can give us wisdom that they’ve learned from experience. That’s what the Bible says.

GOAL! This is the month we celebrate Grandparents Day. Think about what you’ve learned from your grandparents or other older adults. Thank God for their wisdom and support.